First 2010 gubernatorial candidate?

Matt Jacobson, a Republican from Portland, will make an announcement Thursday “regarding his candidacy for governor of Maine.”

Jacobson, who formed an exploratory committee in February, sent out a press release to let us know that he’s made a decision about whether he wants to run for governor.

I’m guessing he’s not asking all of us to go to Portland’s Ocean Gateway to tell us he’s not running. Also, he’s scheduled to go to a private fundraiser after the press conference, according to his announcement.

“I see amazing potential to make the state’s economy world class,” he said in a statement. “But to make that happen, we need leadership that will push Maine in the right direction.”

Jacobson, 48, is head of Maine & Co., which specializes in business attraction.

If he does in fact announce his candidacy, Jacobson will be the first to officially launch a campaign. Former Attorney General Steve Rowe, a Democrat, said as early as last summer that he plans to run. And Lynne Williams, a Green Independent, has also said she will run to represent her party.

There are others who have signed up on the state ethics commission Web site. You can check out the list here: http://www.mainecampaignfinance.com/public/candidate_office_sought_list....